There are less than six days to go until Pompey’s 2025-26 Championship curtain raiser against Oxford United.
The Blues rounded off their preparations for the new campaign with a 1-0 triumph over PEC Zwolle on Saturday afternoon in front of 8,237 supporters at Fratton Park.
Thomas Waddingham was on the scoresheet as John Mousinho’s men maintained their unbeaten pre-season programme, which saw them fail to concede in any of their seven friendlies.
All eyes are now on next weekend’s opening-day contest at the Kassam Stadium, with Pompey looking to get off to a winning start.
Saturday’s fixture against the Eredivisie outfit could be an indication of how the Blues will line-up against the U’s, with Colby Bishop a huge doubt for the opener.
Meanwhile, new signings Mark Kosznovszky, Luke Le Roux and Florian Bianchini face a battle to start as they bed into new life on the south coast.
Here’s what Pompey’s current strongest XI and bench looks like heading into the opening day of the season.
17. SUB 5: Mark Kosznovszky
The new signing made his first Blues appearance on Saturday, coming off the bench to feature in the final 13 minutes of the win over PEC Zwolle. It remains to be seen whether the opening-day contest will come too soon for the midfielder as he adjusts to life in English football. | Steve Bailey/ProSportsImages
18. SUB 6: Marlon Pack
The skipper has had an excellent pre-season, which included a standout performance against Reading. Could drop to the bench next weekend if Mousinho favours a midfield partnership of Swift and Dozzell. | Paul Phelan/ProSportsImages
19. SUB 7: Terry Devlin
The impressive young talent can slot into the side in a number of positions when called upon. His stock is on the rise after an impressive maiden Championship campaign. | Paul Phelan/ProSportsImages
20. SUB 8: Luke Le Roux
Came on with two minutes to go on Saturday and - like Kosznovszky - could start on the bench next weekend rather than a starting role. | Paul Phelan/ProSportsImages